NICJR CONDUCTS THE FOLLOWING VIOLENCE REDUCTION WORK:
Gun Violence Reduction Strategy Technical Assistance
NICJR works with local jurisdictions to develop effective Gun Violence Reduction Strategies. NICJR offers the following technical assistance and training:
Gun Violence Problem Analysis
The Gun Violence Problem Analysis examines homicides and injury shootings in the past 12-24 months in the given jurisdiction to determine the specific nature of gun violence and to determine the characteristics that are unique to the groups and individuals at highest risk of being involved in gun violence in order to focus interventions.
Establishing and Managing Shooting Reviews
Begin regular (weekly or bi-weekly based on jurisdiction’s volume) meeting of key law enforcement personnel including police, sheriff, jail, probation, parole, etc. Review each shooting that has occurred since the previous meeting, discuss why the shooting occurred, who is known to have been involved, what gang and group dynamics may be at play, and identify groups and individuals to focus interventions accordingly.
Design Direct Communications
Once specific individuals or groups have been identified through the data collected by the Gun Violence Problem Analysis and selected in a Shooting Review, they should be informed of their risk(s) and offered support. This direct and respectful communication is usually done in a group setting (often referred to as a “Call-In”) or a small meeting with the individual (often referred to as an Individual Notification).
Connection to Services, Supports, and Opportunities — Life Coaching
NICJR provides training, technical assistance, and consulting to provide dedicated and intensive services, supports and opportunities focused on the individuals at highest risk of gun violence. NICJR specifically provides training to create Life Coach positions. NICJR conducts training with staff, provides management tools and helps develop program protocols. NICJR’s Intensive Life Coaching training program supports participants in understanding the importance of developing an authentic and trusting relationship with clients. Through the training, participants will strengthen skills in client engagement and life planning, as well as learn technical tools, such as case management file efficiency and maintenance.
Focused Enforcement
NICJR works with law enforcement to develop individual and group-specific plans as well as develop performance metrics to successfully implement a focused enforcement effort that prioritizes gun violence and de-prioritizes minor offenses, producing the net effect of a reduced law enforcement footprint and increased public safety.
Cost of Violence
NICJR has conducted a series of studies on the cost of gun violence in cities across the U.S., releasing findings from these studies in powerful, detailed infographic reports. These reports break down the specific, governmental costs associated with each gun homicide and injury shooting, including crime scene response, hospital and rehabilitation, criminal justice, incarceration, victim support, and lost tax revenue. Following their release, NICJR partners with local organizers and other stakeholders to incorporate Cost of Gun Violence reports in advocacy efforts demanding increased investment in gun violence reduction strategies.
National Office of Violence Prevention Network
NICJR and its partners, Advance Peace and Center for American Progress, have worked to create and provide technical assistance to Offices of Violence Prevention (OVP) and Offices of Neighborhood Safety throughout the country for more than 15 years. NICJR worked for nearly two years to organize, plan, and coordinate the creation of a National OVP Network with a group of OVP Directors. The National OVP Network serves as a learning community with the goal of significantly increasing the expertise and effectiveness of these city agencies. The OVP Network achieves this by:
- Hosting convenings,
- Providing training and technical assistance,
- Facilitating and leading OVP learning exchanges and site visits,
- Providing leadership and management development, and
- Supporting OVPs in growing capacity in data collection and reporting, fund development, and communications/media relations.
The network also supports the creation of new OVPs in cities interested in developing such agencies. In the summer of 2020, the network launched with 21 cities and since grown to 32 cities who are members of the Network.
Reports
NICJR conducts research and produces reports on violence reduction. Two recent reports include an assessment of Effective Community-based Violence Reduction Strategies and a Washington, DC Landscape Analysis of violence prevention efforts in the District.
NICJR is working in the following cities providing direct technical assistance to develop Gun Violence Reduction Strategies:
- Oakland, CA
- Stockton, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Portland, OR
- Indianapolis, IN
- Memphis, TN
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Washington, DC
- Atlanta, GA
- Albuquerque, NM